Expertise: Microbiology, Comparative genomics, Microbial bioplastics production, Blue Biotechnology
Short Bio:
"Ana Maria Fernandes is a PhD student in the Biotechnology and Biosciences doctoral program, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Rodrigo Costa and Dr. Maria Teresa Cesário. She holds an Integrated Master's degree in Biological Engineering (2021).
Ana’s research explores the biosynthetic potential of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in bacteria associated with marine sponges, corals, and macroalgae. Her work integrates bioinformatics and bacterial culture optimisation at various scales to select marine bacteria capable of accumulating PHAs. Through this project, Ana aims to tackle critical challenges in the bioplastics industry by contributing to the development of economically and environmentally sustainable production processes."
Research Focus:
Investigation on the PHA biosynthesis potential in marine bacteria.